A 1895 Bedford Stuyvesant townhouse was rehauled to accommodate the needs of its newest owners Nicko Elliott and Ksenia Kagner, founders of the Brooklyn studio Civilian, and their two children.
Civilian swapped the floor plans of boths levels, moved the bedrooms to the lower garden level and installing the communal areas on the second floor to benefit from the three-meter high ceilings, crown moulding, ceiling medallions and a restored fireplace. A full-height wooden block featuring bespoke cabinetry and shelves on either side was used to divide the spaces, delineating the living room from the kitchen and dining areas. To create a direct access to the outdoor space from this level, the studio replaced the central window with a glass door, installing a white-painted metal staircase leading down to the garden.
The lower floor was completely rearranged to host the sleeping quarters and a den with a dramatic dark green accent wall and shiny reflective ceilings that doubles as a guest room. The children’s room has bright carpets and a yellow and bright painted ceiling, while the master bedroom takes a more muted approach with plain white walls and a wood beam ceiling. A glass door directly accesses the garden as well.
Inspired by the work of French architect Robert Mallet-Stevens and sumptuous Milanese home interiors, the townhouse features a mix of colourful artwork, bright accents and modern furniture that spell elegant yet homey. Full of charm and character, the rehaul perfectly adapts to the family’s contemporary lifestyle within the walls of a traditional townhouse. “The resulting space foregrounds Nicko and Ksenia’s creative circle of artists and makers while maintaining a sense of comfort and east that supports the daily rituals of their growing design practice and young family,” the studio says.
Civilian is an architecture and interior design studio actively working in residential, commercial and workplace projects. The studio is based in Brooklyn, NY. Visit their website, and find them on Instagram.
Photography © Brian Ferry for Civilian